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tummy tuck in kirkland wa

Tummy Tuck in Kirkland, Washington

For patients around the Seattle area who want to improve the appearance of their abdomen after weight loss or childbirth, Kirkland plastic surgeon Dr. Gavin Dry offers the popular tummy tuck, an elective procedure that reduces excess tissue on the tummy while tightening the ab muscles.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, more commonly called the tummy tuck, is a popular body contouring procedure. While it is often recommended after pregnancy, plastic surgeons also perform the operation in a series of procedures for post-weight loss body contouring.

The tummy tuck is designed to meet your specific aesthetic goals, but your plastic surgeon typically aims to achieve results such as:

  • Tighter, firmer skin
  • Flat abdomen with visible muscle tone
  • Youthful lower abdomen and navel
  • Slim but curvy frontal silhouette

According to the ASPS, tummy tuck was one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures performed by American plastic surgeons in 2009, with over 115,000 operations.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

If you have a protruding abdomen due to body weight changes or pregnancy, a tummy tuck may be right for you. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are individuals (women and men) who are healthy non-smokers who aren’t planning a future pregnancy.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dry in Kirkland (Seattle area, near Bellevue and Eastside) to determine if this procedure would be suitable for you.

What Happens During Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck typically requires 2 – 5 hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Dry first marks the incision areas in areas where they can be concealed after surgery. A horizontal incision across the bikini line allows Dr. Dry to remove excess skin and repair stretched abdominal muscles using sutures. In many cases, the navel is remodeled.

How Will I Look and Feel After a Tummy Tuck?

After your tummy tuck, Dr. Dry will provide instructions for recovery and post-operative care. You will probably be advised to walk around after about 12 hours. Pain will be managed with a medication during this time. If the doctor uses surgical drains for your tummy tuck, they will usually be removed within 24 hours. A special compression garment is provided to promote skin contraction and minimize swelling.

To discuss the risks, benefits and expected outcome of a tummy tuck, call 425.821.6000 or contact the Kirkland plastic surgery office of Dr. Gavin Dry.